Karua shares throwback photo of her first arrival in Nairobi in inspiring message to youth
By Trizer Lijondo, August 12, 2026Martha Karua has urged young Kenyans to remain hopeful and confident in their ability to shape the country’s future, as she reflected on her own journey to Nairobi in a throwback post accompanied by an old photograph.
Sharing the image on social media on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Karua recalled arriving in the capital as a young woman “full of hope and possibility” and described Nairobi at the time as a city where ambition and hard work could open doors.
“This photo takes me back to the excitement of arriving in Nairobi as a young woman, full of hope and possibility,” Karua said.
“Nairobi was a city of opportunity then, a place where you came believing that with hard work and courage, you could build something for yourself.”
The former Justice Minister acknowledged that the country had changed significantly since those days, but said young people continued to flock to urban centres carrying dreams of a better future.
“Much has changed since then, but young people still come to our cities carrying big dreams and the determination to make something of their lives,” she said.
Karua used the nostalgic reflection to deliver a broader message to Kenya’s youth, whom she described as one of the nation’s greatest assets.
“You are one of Kenya’s greatest assets,” she said. “Look at what you have already achieved, often with limited opportunities and against enormous odds.”
She praised young Kenyans for excelling in sports, music, culture, business and technology, saying they had repeatedly demonstrated resilience and innovation despite economic hardship.
“You have carried our flag in sport, taken our music and culture to the world, built businesses, created technology, entertained us and found ingenious ways to make a living in a harsh economy,” Karua said.
The opposition leader noted that the current generation is among the most educated in the country’s history and urged young people not to underestimate their influence.
“You are the majority and among the most educated generations Kenya has known,” she said.
“You have the knowledge, creativity and numbers to shape the direction of this country, do not let anyone convince you otherwise. They know the power you hold.”
Karua also challenged young Kenyans to take a central role in building the country they aspire to see, insisting that their ambitions are achievable.
“The Kenya you want is not a dream too big. It is a country we can build with your generation at the centre of it,” she said, before ending her message with the words: “Stand strong!”
The statement was accompanied by a throwback photograph that quickly drew reactions online, with many users commenting on the contrast between Nairobi of previous decades and the city today, while others welcomed Karua’s message of encouragement to the youth.
Karua has in recent months frequently addressed issues affecting young Kenyans, including unemployment, governance and civic participation, often calling on the youth to play a more active role in national affairs.